sticks and bones. (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
sticksandbonesmods) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
sticksandbones2024-09-06 11:16 am
sticksandbonesmods) wrote in sticksandbones2024-09-06 11:16 am
EVENT & TDM 016
A CREEPING FURY SETTING IN
WAKE UP
You don’t recall how you got here. Hell, you’re barely sure “why” you’re here in the first place. But the fact is, by the time you come to your senses, you’re already standing in line out in front of a tent with a big sign on it: FREE STUFF! FIRST COME FIRST SERVE!
Others who have been here longer are aware of you, of course. They watched you ambling around on autopilot for two hours before the sign went up, and then you suddenly hopped into the queue (and maybe even cut in line! the horror!) before the brain fog cleared. Where are you? Why are you in line? Do you even want free stuff? All of these questions can only be answered when you see what the free stuff is.
…it’s random junk. Random magical junk, mind, but when a woman made of solid shadows hands you a wand that apparently summons a small amount of pigeons “per day, until it breaks”, you take it. Or, perhaps, the item was a crystal ball that only shows you made-up scenes from a book. Or it’s a hand-fan that blows only warm air, or a pen that writes all of your letters backwards despite the fact you yourself aren’t doing that… anything quirky and stupid is within the realm of possibility, and Ydalir is trying so hard to get rid of her failed magical experiments. Please. Please take these. Her tent is overstocked and she needs to start anew.
And to those of you who are new here, she’ll offer a friendly greeting and wave, and ask you how your head is feeling after that strange wandering session earlier. Don’t feel pressured to answer; the line needs to keep moving, after all.
Others who have been here longer are aware of you, of course. They watched you ambling around on autopilot for two hours before the sign went up, and then you suddenly hopped into the queue (and maybe even cut in line! the horror!) before the brain fog cleared. Where are you? Why are you in line? Do you even want free stuff? All of these questions can only be answered when you see what the free stuff is.
…it’s random junk. Random magical junk, mind, but when a woman made of solid shadows hands you a wand that apparently summons a small amount of pigeons “per day, until it breaks”, you take it. Or, perhaps, the item was a crystal ball that only shows you made-up scenes from a book. Or it’s a hand-fan that blows only warm air, or a pen that writes all of your letters backwards despite the fact you yourself aren’t doing that… anything quirky and stupid is within the realm of possibility, and Ydalir is trying so hard to get rid of her failed magical experiments. Please. Please take these. Her tent is overstocked and she needs to start anew.
And to those of you who are new here, she’ll offer a friendly greeting and wave, and ask you how your head is feeling after that strange wandering session earlier. Don’t feel pressured to answer; the line needs to keep moving, after all.
HOUNDS ON YOUR HEELS
At some point as the summer fades into autumn, something in the air changes. The surrounding woods and its foggy walls have felt tenser than usual, like something is waiting for you to slip and fall into jaws just waiting to snap shut around your flesh — but nothing happens. Not initially, at least. But keen eyes will soon see a plethora of fairies, long sleeves dangling over razor-sharp claws like a praying mantis’s arms, hair tied back in loose buns, all wearing masks with a single watchful eye painted upon them. As your gazes meet, they giggle and disperse.
And then there are more. And as more gather, watching the paths you take, the houses and buildings erected, the way you move through the gardens, they begin to screech like cicadas. Like alarms.
It could be the lumbering, moss-covered frog that leaps towards you from the lake, large enough to match a car. It could be the wood and stone-crusted bear, spears and arrows collected in its haunches like decoration and not the injuries they clearly are, standing taller than anything you’ve ever seen. It could be the long, winding dragon with lichen dripping off of it, coiling through the trees. Regardless, the fairies are calling to your location and one of them is going to answer.
They chase with an almost single-minded perseverance, with claws and sticky tongues and fangs — stealth is the key, so long as the fairies don’t rat you out again. Though they can be fought, they cannot die in a way that matters — just as easily as flesh tears, it will stitch itself back together and hold a grudge.
Every broken twig is a signal to your location. Every brush of wind in the trees and the grass could be the monsters stalking after you.
It’s time to play: Hide and Seek.
And then there are more. And as more gather, watching the paths you take, the houses and buildings erected, the way you move through the gardens, they begin to screech like cicadas. Like alarms.
It could be the lumbering, moss-covered frog that leaps towards you from the lake, large enough to match a car. It could be the wood and stone-crusted bear, spears and arrows collected in its haunches like decoration and not the injuries they clearly are, standing taller than anything you’ve ever seen. It could be the long, winding dragon with lichen dripping off of it, coiling through the trees. Regardless, the fairies are calling to your location and one of them is going to answer.
They chase with an almost single-minded perseverance, with claws and sticky tongues and fangs — stealth is the key, so long as the fairies don’t rat you out again. Though they can be fought, they cannot die in a way that matters — just as easily as flesh tears, it will stitch itself back together and hold a grudge.
Every broken twig is a signal to your location. Every brush of wind in the trees and the grass could be the monsters stalking after you.
It’s time to play: Hide and Seek.
‘TIL THERE’S NOTHING LEFT
cw: supernatural parasitism & energy/life-force draining
… And where do those captured go, when all is said and done? None of the Seekers actually kill them after all — they may carry their unfortunate victims within their mouths if they are large enough to do so, but as soon as one is captured, they leave.
Though it’s risky to try and track them through the woods, those who try or stay awake during their capture will find themselves taken down a winding path in the fog. One can also bribe a fairy or two to help — or at least not rat you out. A shiny object or food — berries, honey, the fresh-killed heart of that songbird on the branch, all work fine to win its favor for a time. Eventually, they’ll find themselves up a path to a gargantuan tree covered in glowing boils — it’s something that manages to dwarf even the whale-sized moose that may wander by wordlessly, impassive to your plights as moose are wont to do.
Sickly motes of light waft through the air and gently-glowing flowers bloom all around the land, moss glistens against the bark and dirt and perhaps if this place was not so warped by evil, it could have been beautiful once. Coiled around the tree is a vine where the captured are tied to, and they will feel…
Tired. Compliant. Don’t you wish to sleep? The tree needs you. Don’t struggle. Don’t resist. Sleep, and dream no more…
Keen eyes will see the skeletons of former victims further up the vines. As the tree feeds on its captives’ life force, fairies and the Seekers stand guard, only going out to fetch more victims. Do you make the attempt? Or will you come back with reinforcements?
… And where do those captured go, when all is said and done? None of the Seekers actually kill them after all — they may carry their unfortunate victims within their mouths if they are large enough to do so, but as soon as one is captured, they leave.
Though it’s risky to try and track them through the woods, those who try or stay awake during their capture will find themselves taken down a winding path in the fog. One can also bribe a fairy or two to help — or at least not rat you out. A shiny object or food — berries, honey, the fresh-killed heart of that songbird on the branch, all work fine to win its favor for a time. Eventually, they’ll find themselves up a path to a gargantuan tree covered in glowing boils — it’s something that manages to dwarf even the whale-sized moose that may wander by wordlessly, impassive to your plights as moose are wont to do.
Sickly motes of light waft through the air and gently-glowing flowers bloom all around the land, moss glistens against the bark and dirt and perhaps if this place was not so warped by evil, it could have been beautiful once. Coiled around the tree is a vine where the captured are tied to, and they will feel…
Tired. Compliant. Don’t you wish to sleep? The tree needs you. Don’t struggle. Don’t resist. Sleep, and dream no more…
Keen eyes will see the skeletons of former victims further up the vines. As the tree feeds on its captives’ life force, fairies and the Seekers stand guard, only going out to fetch more victims. Do you make the attempt? Or will you come back with reinforcements?
DON’T LOOK BACK
… But regardless of the hostility from the forest, the game must come to an end eventually. And in return for surviving, upon whatever throne he sits upon, the Black Sun offers the world a bit of power as the victims recover — those who perish to the monsters will awaken within their beds, unable to remember anything for a total 24 hours and with floral growths blooming around their scars — but after the initial panic, those who can will confirm that there is no Corruption in these wounds. They may fade, or they may not. Those who survive the month will only carry whatever injuries and weariness they gained over time.
Come morning light, the area of the river will give off a bright glow. Investigation will yield a lot of pain in the eyes, like looking directly at the sun, but eventually it dies down and residents of the Grove can properly have a look at the river again. Those that do may find themselves pleasantly surprised. While clouds shield the skies most of the time, over the river there is a gentle, warm sunlight and blue skies. The abundance of riverside foliage has grown, with new species available for those who can recognize such things — and the water, crisp and clearer than ever, holds more types of fish and amphibians as well. Besides the apple tree — Sinann’s gift for freedom long ago, and Moder’s blackberry bush — new is fruit available. The apple tree is flanked by a peach tree and an orange tree, while the other side of the riverbank houses… …A durian tree.
Some Guardians are grateful. Callan is Callan.
Perhaps best of all though is that Sinann itself has grown in size and in power: in fact, as you approach, it floats above the water to give a greeting.
“Thank you once more for your help.”
Come morning light, the area of the river will give off a bright glow. Investigation will yield a lot of pain in the eyes, like looking directly at the sun, but eventually it dies down and residents of the Grove can properly have a look at the river again. Those that do may find themselves pleasantly surprised. While clouds shield the skies most of the time, over the river there is a gentle, warm sunlight and blue skies. The abundance of riverside foliage has grown, with new species available for those who can recognize such things — and the water, crisp and clearer than ever, holds more types of fish and amphibians as well. Besides the apple tree — Sinann’s gift for freedom long ago, and Moder’s blackberry bush — new is fruit available. The apple tree is flanked by a peach tree and an orange tree, while the other side of the riverbank houses… …A durian tree.
Some Guardians are grateful. Callan is Callan.
Perhaps best of all though is that Sinann itself has grown in size and in power: in fact, as you approach, it floats above the water to give a greeting.
“Thank you once more for your help.”
SPARK NOTES
CLICK TO EXPAND!
WAKE UP
Welcome to Aldric's Grove! New and old residents alike are being gifted free, joke magic items from Ydalir's tent while she does her autumn cleaning. Please take these, she's desperate.
HOUNDS ON YOUR HEELS
Little insect-faeries watch your every move. Suddenly, from the barrier, you're being attacked by various monsters trying to capture you and drag you off. Better run. Better hide.
‘TIL THERE’S NOTHING LEFT
If you're caught, you'll be dragged to become food for a large tree that drains your life force directly. If you aren't rescued in time, you'll die slowly and peacefully.
DON’T LOOK BACK
Those of you who die will come back the next day with temporary amnesia lasting 24 hours. It'll clear up after, and all of your memories will come back as if with magic. But, in the end, you've won the game, and that means ample rewards: More fruit trees, and the River Guardian growing more powerful after all this time.
OOC
Welcome to September's TDM! Reminder that all TDMs are game canon. OOC Plotting Lives Here if you'd like to plot anything out! We have several toplevel comments below for randomizing any result you want this month, including the magic items from Ydalir if you're having a hard time making something up.
UPDATES
❖ None yet!
SUBMISSIONS
A
This random rubber duck that lady gave him? Yeah, it's getting lobbed at Loop's head. Fowl play indeed.]
no subject
Hey!!!!!!!
but now it's their rubber duck... they pick it up from where it landed, squeaking it experimentally. Hmmmmmmm.]
... If you want this back, you're gonna have to come get it yourself, stardust~ [climb up here and chat with them!! they don't wanna yell down from the roof for once]
no subject
[But he climbs up there anyway. He doesn't wanna yell this conversation either and frankly, this is as good a place as any. Still, he gives the pigeons a wary look as he reaches the rooftop, squinting.]
What's with the birds?
no subject
The rest can wait until they're both on the roof. Loop looks up at him, twirling the wand in their hand for a moment, then...
flicks it! Towards, but not directly at him, because they're feeling nice and they don't want Siffrin to do something stupid like slip and fall off the roof. Nine pigeons appear like magic and flap away in a hurry.]
Pigeon spell.
no subject
But at least he can guess where that wand came from. Siffrin just nods, waving away a bird that lingers a little too long.]
Ah. Pigeon spell.
[He gets it.
But all that's just a silly distraction from the actually important reason he had for seeking Loop out. He settles down on the edge of the roof next to them, trying to play it casual.]
Did you see who's here?
no subject
Alas, they also knew to expect this topic. It was only a matter of time before one of them brought it up. Loop sighs, leaning back on the balls of their hands.]
Yes, stardust, I know the Housemaiden is here. Did you show her around the Grove already?
[They... don't sound very thrilled. But they know it must make Siffrin happy, so they won't deny him that. Must be nice, catching up with an old friend. Couldn't be them.]
no subject
A little. We had a good talk.
[And he really is happy about that. But he's not here to rub his happiness in Loop's face.]
What about you? Did you guys talk?
[The question is a little pointed. Siffrin knows what answer he'd like to hear, but he can already tell he's gonna be disappointed. He knows Loop too well.]
🚨 ISAT spoilers zone 🚨 garbage mental health zone 🚨
[The words come out harsher than they'd intended, but what does it matter? It's the truth. She wanted to know so many things about this stranger she met. They should laugh. They wish they could throw up instead.]
She recognized me, you know. But not Siffrin. But for a second, I...
[They had hope.
For a moment, they really thought it could be true. That someone would look at them and see who they really are, and not the stranger they see in their reflection, a monster of light and sharp edges that doesn't belong anywhere, doesn't matter to anyone. They really believed it.
but that was foolish.
They take a deep breath, in and out, steadying the shake in their voice.]
She said we met, but I don't remember it! Isn't that hilarious? I'm the one who can't remember! And that's all I'm even here for! Hah!
no subject
So he bites his tongue. No need to pour salt in the wound. Siffrin just nods and leans in a little, bumping shoulders with Loop.]
If it helps at all, she doesn't remember everything either. Just...y'know, me being horrible to her.
[And how unfair is that? To have to go through all the apologies and emotional vulnerability and explanations again, because even if all that sucks, the alternative is worse?]
no subject
They know, they know, they know it's not her fault... but they can't say it themselves. It'd feel like lying, when no one recognizes them. They don't want to say it and hear disbelief, that would just—
Breathe. In, and out. Stop thinking so much. Listen to stardust.
...
Not that it's very helpful! They do manage a slightly-less upsetting laugh, if still lacking in energy.]
Hah, I'd hope not! None of them should have to remember that much. [because he means the loops, right? what else would it be?] What did you do on that last loop, anyway? Must've been pretty stupid, if I had to play your part for a change.
no subject
Siffrin gives a halfhearted, tired little laugh, mirroring Loop.]
I guess it was pretty stupid. I went into the House alone and tried to solo the King.
[There's a bitter huff of breath, a mockery of laughter, at his own past foolishness. Of course he'd known even before then what the real cause of the loops was. He'd known the solo House run was futile. But he hadn't been able to accept that either.]
...Thanks, though. For talking to everyone for me back then.
[Even if they don't remember it. He knows Loop didn't want to interact with the party, so it means a lot that they did.]
Things only turned out alright because everyone came to help. Because you helped them get through the House. I'd still have been in the timeloop if not for you.
no subject
They don't remember.
It's because the Universe doesn't want them to remember, right? The Universe took over. Loop stopped being useful and something else had to take control so they could do their job. That's why they don't remember this loop, even though Siffrin does. Even though it sounds important. Even though they did something impossible. Even though Siffrin keeps saying it weird, like the loops are over and their job is done but the curtains closed before they got to bow.
If it was important, they would remember.
They feel like they're outside of their own body, listening to this. How funny. They can't even be Loop anymore. What are they, if they can't even be a fake version of themselves?
They're quiet for an uncomfortably long time, before they remember how to speak with their non-mouth and their empty words. It sounds fake, even to them. They don't care. It's not them talking anyway.]
It's what I'm here for, stardust! You don't have to thank me for anything.
no subject
Well, I'm doing it anyway.
[It sounds almost defiant, stubborn in his insistence, but his tone softens a moment later as his gaze drops to his gloved hands in his lap.]
I mean it. I wouldn't have gotten through all that without you. That's...
[A hollow sentiment from Loop's point of view, probably. Siffrin frowns.]
That was the only difference between us. The only reason I escaped and you didn't was because I had you.
[Please take that in the spirit in which it's intended. He knows Loop's situation is unfair. He knows that, and this is the only comfort he can offer - acknowledgement of that injustice, reassurance that Loop never did anything wrong.]
no subject
A resolution with no buildup. What kind of shoddy play is that?
They listen, and... they can't help but notice. If this is something they've already talked about, then...]
Is that the same script you used before, stardust? [Of course it is. If it worked once, why change it? So it must have worked for them before.] What a nice thing to say. I helped, just like I said I would! And that means I never had a chance from the start. I was always doomed to fail.
What even ended the loops after all this time? What were we missing? Was it really just... telling everyone? [about the loops, or.......]
no subject
I don't remember exactly what I said last time. It only happened the one time.
[They didn't get a million rehearsals like with everything else.]
And, yeah. It was just telling everyone. That... [He flushes. It's still embarrassing to admit, even to Literally Himself.] That I wanted to keep traveling with them. Because everyone else wanted the same thing too.
[He shakes his head, exhaling a breath that's almost a laugh. Not a particularly happy one, but still.]
Did you know? We did this to ourselves. We wished for it.
no subject
... in a way, it doesn't feel like it matters anymore, though. Who cares if the loops ended? They're stuck somewhere different now. They've already adjusted to that change. What are they gonna do, try to kill Siffrin and take his place? That's stupid. The party isn't even here, and he'd just come back to life anyway. And they can't go out with a bang, either. They're at a total stalemate.
If the solution was really that simple... if they'd only been a little braver, tried a little harder...
Too late, now. They sigh. What else is there to say?]
Well, congratulations, I guess.
no subject
So he just nods and sits there in silence for a few moments.]
...So.
[Ah. Here it goes.]
Are you gonna talk to Mira? Like...properly?
no subject
Let's talk about something else! Like the weather! We can see the stars at night again, isn't that great? Let's go stargazing later, just the two of us~
[please stop trying to make them address their problems, they are NOT talking to the Housemaiden again if they can help it. this is definitely a valid strategy that will work.]
no subject
...Fine.
[Stargazing does sound nice. And he won't push his luck now, but maybe in the future they could invite certain others to join them. Sure, they're just dots in the sky to the others, but it's still something he wants to share, wants his friends to somehow understand.]
no subject
[They're babbling on auto-pilot, it's funny to think about how they used to be so quiet and now they can just talk endlessly about nothing on command. Neat party trick.
... it's fine if he's disappointed in them. They can tell what he wants them to say, but if he really knows what he claims to, then he should know why they can't. They've had their heart broken enough times, thanks.]
no subject
You could just live through yourself, y'know.
[There are sentient cookies and bird people and shapeshifting tentacle monsters here. It's not as if a star person is so strange that they have to hide themself away.]
no subject
[it's. kind of not a joke, kind of pretending it is, what is stardust if not the version of themselves that's actually allowed to live and succeed and be happy lmao]